Skin infection

A skin infection can be differentiated according to the depth of the infection into the skin layers (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue).

• Impetigo:

• Erysipela: superficial skin infection with a clear line of demarcation between involved and uninvolved tissue and raised lesions above the level of the surrounding skin.

• Cellulitis:
  • Non-purulent cellulitis: with no purulent drainage or exudate and no associated abscess.
  • Purulent cellulitis: associated with purulent drainage or exudate in the absence of a drainable abscess.

Skin Appendage Infection

• Furuncle: infection of the hair follicles, thus resulting in the localized accumulation of pus and dead tissue.

• Carbuncle: an abscess, larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin.